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DictionaryRoot: migrare
Latin

migrare

move or change one's dwelling

Forms

  • migrare
  • migrat- — The form used for completed action.

Origin

An inherited Latin verb whose exact earlier history is uncertain.

Note

The central idea is a change of place, not necessarily movement across a national border.

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An adult newcomer unpacks two suitcases in a modest new home while a local neighbor welcomes her; a closed passport and old travel trunk imply international permanent relocation, no flags or text.
noun / adjective

immigrant

IM-ih-grunt/ˈɪmɪɡrənt/

A person who moves to live permanently in another country, or relating to such people.

Etymology
imLatinin, into, on, upon
+migrLatinmove or change one's dwelling
+antLatindoing or being something

“Into” plus “move” describes a person moving in, viewed from the country of settlement. The noun may have been modeled on French immigrant, with the participial form identifying the person doing the moving.

Full entry

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